IPSS secretary Jenny Ting presenting a souvenir to Chieng (in yellow). With them are Choo (at Ting’s right) and other members at the pickleball court opening in Sibu.
Malaysia Pickleball Association (MPA) wants the sport to be included in Malaysia Games (Sukma) and Sukan Sarawak (Suksar).
Its president Farrell Choo Kah Thiam said they had discussed the matter with Sarawak Sports Corporation (SSC).
“We have received a positive response from the corporation.
“We will see how we can move forward,” he said at the opening of I Play Swan Squad Pickleball Club (IPSS) pickleball courts at Island Club, Sibu, Sarawak.
Choo said there were currently seven state associations in MPA, with three more coming onboard.
“We have introduced pickleball to approximately 8,000 individuals ranging from school students to senior citizens, sparking enthusiasm and fostering a community of players.
“With 2,000 active players nationwide, our reach has also extended to 12 universities and 25 schools,” he said.
Bukit Assek assemblyman Joseph Chieng called on MPA to nurture more local professionals, trainers and referees.
“When we have certified referees, we can organise more national and international tournaments.
“Otherwise, bringing in referees or trainers from overseas will increase the cost of organising tournaments,” he pointed out.
Pickleball is a paddle sport using a perforated, hollow plastic ball and utilising a court similar in size to one used for badminton.
